Urtzi Iriondo Will Spend Next Season On Loan In The Segunda

Despite being just 22 years old, Urtzi Iriondo has seen a lot of footballer. After being promoted to Bilbao Athletic back in 2014 he helped the team earn promotion to the Segunda, where they spent one season before dropping back down. Last season, he spent the campaign on loan at Elche where he began the season without playing many minutes before eventually taking over the starting role. The Lezama product has been working to make his case for the first team, but he will have to wait at least one more year.

Iriondo will leave on loan for a second season (Image via El Correo)

According to a report from El Desmarque Bizkaia, Cuco Ziganda and Athletic have decided that Urtzi Iriondo will be loaned back to a club in the Segunda next year where he will have the chance to build on his performances in the previous campaign with Elche.

There were rumors that the left-back would be given a chance to spend the preseason with the first team. There was a big question mark about the depth behind Mikel Balenziaga and some thought Iriondo could compete for the backup role. However, Enric Saborit just saw his contract extended for another season which has put to rest the idea of Iriondo securing a place in Ziganda’s squad. Still, another impressive year in the Segunda would go a long way to earning a place in the team next season.

Along with Iriondo, Markel Etxeberria has also confirmed that he will be leaving once again on loan to a club in the Second Division and will not see any time in the preseason. Meanwhile, Unai Lopez, Ager Aketxe, Mikel Vesga, Asier Villalibre, and Kike Sola will officially spend the preseason with the first team while Cuco Ziganda seeks to build the strongest squad possible. There will be a lot of players to choose from, but not enough room for everyone. Ziganda will have some difficult decisions to make this summer.